How to get a life after cancer

PATIENTS expect to feel on top of the world when they finish their treatment and are shocked when they feel emotionally drained.

Support from loved ones and professionals is vital after cancer [GETTY]

There are currently 1.8 million people in the UK who have survived cancer and that number is set to double in the next 17 years. But although scientists are making huge strides in the understanding and treatment of all types of the disease, survivors still face immense emotional and psychological challenges during and after their treatment.

According to a YouGov survey, 45 per cent of patients who have beaten their disease said they were fearful that their cancer would return. Over a quarter said they felt very vulnerable, both physically and mentally.

Around one in three said they felt they were put under pressure to bounce back to normal more quickly than they would have liked and many admitted feeling more emotionally drained than delighted once their treatment had finished.

“Many cancer patients struggle with life after treatment,” says Justin Stebbing, professor of cancer medicine and oncology at Imperial College London.

“We know that they often have to deal with lower self-esteem as a result of their surgery and the after-effects of chemotherapy, along with other hurdles such as getting back to work or returning to an active social life.

“Contrary to many people’s expectations, the challenge of cancer does not end when the treatment finishes and people can be taken by surprise by some of the feelings and side effects they experience. It’s important for people to realise that those who have gone through cancer treatment still require significant support from healthcare professionals, family and friends.”

Insomnia, disrupted sleeping patterns and poor quality sleep can be a direct result of treatment [GETTY]

To help patients adjust to life after beating their disease, insurance provider Bupa has published a free guide offering support, information and tips on how to cope with life after cancer. Here are some of the main issues:

Sleep disorders and cancer-related fatigue

Insomnia, disrupted sleeping patterns and poor quality sleep can be a direct result of treatment itself or a consequence of physical and emotional issues such as night sweats, pain or the need to use the toilet more frequently during the night.

Prolonged sleep problems can cause or exacerbate anxiety and depression, so discuss concerns with your GP or specialist nurse.

Contrary to many people’s expectations, the challenge of cancer does not end when the treatment finishes and people can be taken by surprise by some of the feelings and side effects they experience

Justin Stebbing

Simple changes such as reviewing medication and making sure the bedroom is not too hot or too cold can make all the difference. Unlike normal tiredness, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) does not go away with rest or sleep. It can come on at any time during or after treatment and can last several months.

It can affect life in many ways, from reducing concentration to an inability to complete day-to-day activities. With patience and a lot of support, most people can expect to recover their energy levels within six to 12 months after the end of their treatment.

Top tips:

Talk to your GP or specialist nurse about ways to keep your pillow cool at night.

It’s important not to associate bed with anxiety, so don’t go to bed if you’re not tired and get up if you find yourself lying awake.

Keep a daily diary to compare your symptoms with those of previous days. It will help you to see that you are actually making progress.

Emotional health

For many, one of the hardest things about life after cancer is dealing with a confusing whirlwind of emotions.

Feelings of loss, resentment and anxiety are common and perfectly normal, as are a loss of confidence or fear of the cancer returning. Often people also feel as if they should be “on top of the world” immediately after finishing treatment but there is no reason to be concerned if this is not the case straight away.

Left unchecked, negative emotions can have a major impact on health and wellbeing, but with the right support and understanding these feelings can be overcome.

Don’t get stuck indoors and keep yourself busy and as positive as possible [GETTY]

Worrying that every small niggle is a sign of cancer returning can be emotionally draining. Sometimes these negative emotions can develop into depression that in turn can lead to anger, lack of energy, poor sleep and an inability to concentrate.

Be honest with yourself about the emotions you are experiencing. Find the courage to talk to someone – either a loved one, GP or your nurse specialist – as this will often be the first step to you feeling better.

Top tips:

Unless your doctor has advised you to, don’t get stuck indoors. Don’t dwell on the negatives. Keep yourself busy and as positive as possible.

Some people recover quickly after cancer treatment with few side effects. However it is also common to experience a variety of physical symptoms that can take weeks, months or years to fully overcome.

These can include: scarring, hair loss, lymphoedema (swelling of an arm or leg), weight gain or hormonal changes. These physical challenges can feel overwhelming but it is important to approach them in an informed, positive and proactive way.

You might find moderate exercise such as swimming or walking provides relief from pain or helps with weight issues.

There are many practical steps you can take such as asking your nurse where to buy wigs or mastectomy bras or asking your GP about how to deal emotionally with loss of erectile function, incontinence or infertility. They can also provide advice on what type and level of exercise is right.

Top tips:

Plan outings and holidays to look forward to while you recover from your treatment.

Ask your doctor about massage to relieve the pain.

The Bupa Living With And Beyond Cancer book is available to download from bupa.co.uk/beyondcancer as a PDF or ebook for iPad, Kindle and android tablets